Otago coaching job attracts 30plus applicants from far and wide

MORE than 30 applications have been received for the Otago head coaching job.

Applications for the coaching position, one of several jobs open for coaches of teams in the Mitre 10 Cup, closed yesterday.

Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kin ley said he was pleased with the response he had got for the head coaching position.

The successful applicant will replace Cory Brown, who has moved on to the Highlanders.

Kinley said the applicants had come locally, nationally and from overseas.

To get more than 30 applications showed it was viewed as an attractive position.

A panel would look to shortlist preferred candidates and then draw up an interview schedule.

Ideally, he would like to have the new coach appointed by Christmas, but he would not be rushing the process.

It was more important to get the right person than to hurry the appointment.

The position comprised not only head coach of the Mitre 10 Cup team, but also director of coaching, which would involve leading the community coaching team.

Other jobs are also up for grabs at Southland and Auckland, while the Waikato position may also become open.

Hawke’s Bay coach Craig Phil pott has moved into a fulltime position with the New Zealand under20 team and has been replaced by his assistant coach, Mark Ozich.

The panel to interview applicants will be made up of a board member, a New Zealand Rugby appointment, an independent appointment and Kinley.

The union has also conducted interviews over the past couple of days for the position of player development manager and a board position.

Tim Colling left as player development manager earlier this month, while Hamish Walker resigned as a board member after he was confirmed as National’s candidate for CluthaSouthland.